Mice are capable of carrying more than 35 diseases, many of which are transferable to humans. That is why it is so important to act quickly when you see signs of a rodent infestation. Tackling the problem early on can make all the difference between a quick solution and your family getting sick.
The diseases carried by mice can spread to humans through bites, droppings, and urine. You can also get sick by having direct contact with mice, dead or living.
Mice crawl on shared kitchen surfaces and into pantries, where they leave urine and droppings. Contact with these droppings can make you or your family very sick. Take immediate action when you notice the signs of mice in your home by calling the professional rodent experts at Stampede Pest Control today.
How Dangerous Are Mice?
Mice carry many diseases, some of which are extremely dangerous for humans. Some common diseases and parasites include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
- Rat-bite fever
- Salmonellosis
- Plague
- Tularemia
Another serious problem with mice is that they often carry fleas, ticks, or mites. These parasites often carry diseases of their own.
Diseases from parasites include:
- Fleas: Murine typhus, Plague
- Ticks: Lyme disease, Relapsing fever
- Mites: Rickettsialpox (mites)
Hantavirus
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried by rodents. In the Americas, they may cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory infection.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with urine. It is usually survivable and presents as a severe case of influenza. However, it may lead to relapses known as Weil’s Disease, which can cause swelling and require hospitalization.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
About 5% of common house mice carry Lymphocytic choriomeningitis. It can cause flu-like illness and severe neurological symptoms such as paralysis. It’s particularly dangerous for pregnant women and can impact the neurological development of their babies.
Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-bite fever can spread through bites, but you can also contract it through contaminated food or water. It causes fever, vomiting, muscle pain, swelling, and rash. Severe cases can cause potentially deadly infections of vital organs.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an infection from the Salmonella bacteria. You can contract it by consuming contaminated food or water. Though it’s rarely serious, it is unpleasant. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever. Some people may require hospitalization to receive IV fluids and antibiotics.
Plague
Believe it or not, the plague you’ve read about in history class is still around. It spreads through bites from infected rodents or fleas. Nowadays, it’s extremely rare and rarely ever fatal. It can cause fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and severe lymph node swelling.
Tularemia
Tularemia is an infection that can be spread through surface or food contamination or even just by handling an infected animal. Ticks also carry tularemia. It can cause swelling, pulmonary distress, and extremely high fever. Tularemia is usually treated with antibiotics.
Murine Typhus
Murine typhus causes flu-like symptoms, vomiting, and a cough. Though it’s not usually serious, untreated cases can cause organ damage.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a common tick-borne infection. It causes fatigue, headache, fever, and rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to long-term neurological problems.
Relapsing Fever
Relapsing fever causes bouts of fever, headache, and fatigue lasting a few days. Apparent recovery follows, then illness returns. Infected mites and ticks spread the bacteria that causes relapsing fever by biting.
Rickettsial Infection
Rickettsial infection occurs through bites from infected mites. It can lead to a variety of illnesses, including spotted fever and scrub typhus.
Keep Mice Out of Your Houston Home
If you notice the signs of a mouse infection in your Houston home, don’t wait to take action. The longer you wait, the more likely you will be exposed to a serious illness from the mice, fleas, ticks, or mites.
Call Stampede Pest Control for all the services you need for eliminating mouse infestations. Our pest solutions are fast, effective, and affordable. To make an appointment, contact us today. We will make sure your home and family stay safe, clean, and protected!